“Celebrating Children 2014” Event May 10 at Mount Trashmore

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 · 12:35 pm

​“Families for A Lifetime” and the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services’ Pendleton Child Services Center invite you to participate in Celebrating Children 2014, a free, family-focused event full of fitness and fun at Mount Trashmore Park, 310 Edwin Drive, on Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to noon. Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. will open the event with a proclamation honoring children of military families and celebrating all children, and inviting citizens and community organizations to join the city’s efforts in strengthening families. Attendees can:

Participate in a 1.5-mile family walk-run at 9:30 a.m. The city’s elementary schools compete to have the most children participate. Trophies will be awarded to first- and second-place finishers, first family across the finish line and the first military family to finish, as well as to the school that has the most participants. All children who cross the finish line will be awarded medals. Preregistration forms are available at Virginia Beach libraries, recreation centers, schools or by calling (757) 385-4537. Anyone can also register the day of the event.

Join in kid-friendly games and activities.

Enjoy live entertainment, including the top 10 performers from the 2014 Wil.Fa Talent Search, as they compete in the talent showcase at 11 a.m. The winning artist will receive two pit tickets to Z104’s ShaggFest, courtesy of Team VA, a youth pole vault and track and field club.

Celebrating Children is a part of Families for a Lifetime’s and the City of Virginia Beach’s campaign to promote happy, healthy families and children. It is the culminating event for Child Abuse Prevention Month and Month of the Military Child. Families for a Lifetime is a partnership between city agencies and local, nonprofit family-centered organizations, including the Health Department, GrowSmart and the Fleet and Family Services. The partnership was developed to provide parents with education and support regarding child-rearing practices. It strives to effectively convey information and ideas that create families for a lifetime. For more information, contact Pendleton Child Service Center at (757) 385-4537.

Families under stress can seek support services by calling the parent helpline at 1-800 CHILDREN.

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, contact your local Department of Human Services or call the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at the Virginia Department of Social Services at 1-800-552-7096 (Voice/TTY).